Microsoft is launching a pilot program to hire people with autism for full-time positions at its headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
“Microsoft is stronger when we expand opportunity and we have a diverse workforce that represents our customers,” corporate vice president of worldwide operations Mary Ellen Smith, who has a 19-year-old son diagnosed with autism, said on the company blog.
“At Microsoft, we believe that diversity enriches our performance, our products and services, the communities where we live and work, and the lives of our employees. We provide an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work and have been investing in these programs for many years,”said Smith.
Microsoft plans to first launch the program with about 10 candidates, a Microsoft spokeswoman told The Post. It will be working with Specialisterne, a training and consulting firm based in Denmark that helps match autistic workers with jobs.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior.
